SKU: A0.719767

As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Make Me a Captive, Lord, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, and Abide with Me. This collection of arrangements is also available for SATB voices and piano or piano solo.

SKU: A0.882256

Agnus dei for high or medium Solo Voice and Piano uses as an inspiration the melody from the aria Ombra mai fú from Handel’s opera Serse. The long, lyrical melody borne forward by the steady, quiet, powerful accompaniment conveys a tranquil sacredness. The sense of entreaty and desire for benediction expressed in the Agnus Dei seems a natural fit with Handel’s famous melody. An instrumental introduction precedes the voice calling out agnus dei, qui tollis peccata mundi. A solo instrumental meditation follows leading back to the conclusion of the piece. Arrangements for other ensembles are also available (SSA, SATB) as well as featuring the addition of Solo Violin, Flute, Oboe or Clarinet and soloist with chorus. Difficulty is moderate for both the singer and pianist and is suitable for a sacred setting or the concert hall. Duration approximately 4 minutes.